Wirt Fountain Wilhoit

WARRENTON, GA - Mr. Wirt Fountain Wilhoit, age 89, died peacefully March 25, 2011, at Warrenton Health and Rehabilitation Center. Graveside services will be held on Monday, March 28, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at Sallie Hill Cemetery in Warrenton with the Reverend Mike Dann officiating. Mr. Wilhoit was a devoted husband to the late Mrs. Marian Stewart Wilhoit for 66 years. He attended the University of Georgia where he competed in pole vault for the track and field team. He was a World War II veteran. Mr. Wilhoit served as Mayor of Warrenton and was a member of First Baptist Church of Warrenton. He also served as director and chairman of the board of Citizens Bank in Warrenton for many years. Mr. Wilhoit was a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Mr. Wilhoit and his brother, the late Judson Pilcher Wilhoit Jr., established Wilhoit Gas Co. in Warrenton in 1946. Mr. Wilhoit was active in the business until his retirement in 1991 and then spent much of his leisure time involved in woodworking projects and enjoying the beach at St. Simons. Survivors include three daughters: Lyn Wilhoit Reed, Denver, CO; Beth Wilhoit Ard, Washington, GA; Jo Wilhoit Johnson (Alton) Warrenton, GA; and One son, Billy (Cile) Wilhoit, Warrenton, GA. 'Pop" will be missed by nine grandchildren and eight greatgrandchildren. He is survived by one sister, VeVe Wilhoit Lippert, Augusta, GA. He is also survived by his lifelong loving friend, Isabel Wheeler. Pallbearers will be Mr. Wilhoit's grandsons: Bobby Ard, Billy Ard, Matthew Reed, Ryan Wilhoit, Tyler Johnson, Cliff Merrell and Richard Gower. Friends may call at the residence. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to Warrenton Heath and Rehabilitation Center, 813 Atlanta Highway Warrenton, GA 30828, or First Baptist Church of Warrenton, P.O. Box 512, Warrenton, 0A30828. Lowe Funeral Home 77 W. Gibson Street, Warrenton, Georgia 706-465-3333 The Augusta Chronicle-March 28, 2011